3 Winter Getaways

Embrace the cold

Fat snowflakes tumbling from the sky, steaming mugs of cocoa, and the
adrenaline of winter sports like ice fishing and snowshoeing, thrive
in pockets around the U.S. From Colorado’s snow-covered mountains to
the forests of Vermont, and the stillness of Lake Michigan, too, here
are three top winter-weekend destinations perfect for destressing
after the holidays. Get ready to revel in small-town charm and cozy corners.

Stowe, Vermont

After the first snowfall, this tiny town (pop. hovering around
4,000) in Northern Vermont is packed with cold-weather fun. Try
snowshoeing on the southern slopes of Mount Mansfield or just hiking
through the scenic area. Then, soak up the atmosphere and sample
Vermont’s other allure: craft beer and ciders, with von Trapp Brewing
(inspired by the real von Trapp family who lived here after leaving
Austria) and Stowe Cider, two local favorites. Want to get into the
outdoor holiday spirit but you’re not into skiing? Go for a horse-led
sleigh ride through the snow (if there’s one occasion when you can get
away with singing “Jingle Bells,” it’s this one. Take it).

Vail, Colorado

Photo Credit: Vail Resorts and Jack Affleck

This city is a bustling town near some of the best skiing in the
world. A quick two-hour drive from Denver International Airport, once
in Vail you can summit some of the state’s highest ski lifts with a
snowboard or skis. But if you’re not into the slopes, you can find
plenty of après-ski fun (where you’ll find us). Browse the
alpine-style shops in downtown Vail and spend an evening bowling while
sipping wine at Bol Vail.
Dive into Colorado craft beer and Baja fish tacos at the slopeside Tavern
on the Square and warm up with 10 specialty lattes at Yeti’s Grind.

Bring: Wrap up in the Mt.
Moriah Iconic Down Jacket paired with warm gloves, of course.
Change into his-and-hers flannel
shirts (this is only ok on vacation) for après-ski cocktails in
front of a crackling fireplace at your lodge.

Door County, Wisconsin

Photo Credit: Door County Visitor Bureau

A favorite vacation spot for Chicagoans, this slender peninsula
wedged between Lake Michigan and Green Bay is less crowded in winter –
and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re ice fishing on Lake Michigan
in Sturgeon Bay, cross-country skiing in Peninsula State Park or
snowshoeing at Ridges Sanctuary, a local nature preserve, it wouldn’t
be a trip to this far Northern region without a slice of cherry pie
(remnants of the region’s most famed summer crop can still be found in
winter). A handful of wineries here craft vino with grapes but also
use locally-grown fruits (from cherries to cranberries), and Door County
Distillery produces fruit-infused vodkas. The wineries have
tasting rooms so make an afternoon of it.

Bring: Don’t forget to pack a handy wine
tote and backpack
to go out on the town and sample one of the Dairy State’s
lesser-known-but-amazing products: wine (paired with artisan-cheese,
of course).